What Exactly is Geothermal Heating?

Geothermal energy is not a new phenomenon and is already widely used in other parts of the world. In New Zealand, there are the Taupo and Kawerau regions where people harness the two tectonic plates inside the Taupo Volcanic Zone which constantly creates energy and is used for heating and electricity. They began by utilising the thermal springs in the Rotorua area as early as 1870 and built their first geothermal energy plant in 1958. Iceland’s first recorded use of geothermal energy is from the year 1907 where they have more than 200 volcanoes and a large number of hot springs. 

So How Does This Apply to Ireland? 

Well, lucky for us, you don’t need to live on an active volcano to harness energy from the earth! 

Geothermal Heating

Geothermal heat pumps derive energy from the constant heat source below the surface of the earth. At the core of the earth lies a molten centre which means that no matter how cold the surface gets, there is always heat deep underground. However, we don’t need to dig that deep to get the heat we need. Within a looping pipe system, an antifreeze mixture circulates and “heats” the solution to about 4°C. It then enters the heat pump exchanger where the heat gain is removed. The now cool mixture is returned to the collector for reheating. This cycle is constantly repeated, keeping your water hot and your house warm.

Air Conditioning

As we continue to emit greenhouse gases, Earth continues to heat. As Earth gets hotter, places that didn’t have a requirement before, now need air conditioning units. These units produce CO2 to operate, therefore making Earth hotter and so the cycle begins again.  

An air conditioner takes the warm air from your house and expels it into the outside air. It takes that outside air through a refrigeration system to pump the cold air into your building. An air heat pump does the same, but also in reverse. The geothermal heat pump converts the energy that is taken from the ground into warm air to heat your home. The heat pump can also act as a cooling source in times of extreme warmth or because of the latest building regulations making buildings airtight.

Geothermal Heating

Imagine your LPG, gas or oil boiler water heater as a giant kettle; every time you turn on the heating, that kettle boils to heat your home. To boil that kettle you are burning gas or oil, and then you have to choose either:

1. Turn it off when it gets to the temperature that you’re happy with. Alternatively, have a timer that turns on and off at different times of the day you think you may need it. However, there is a risk of not having hot water to wash your dishes, shower or clean equipment.
2. Keep it on all day to ensure you have hot water, heating and comfort in your home throughout the day. But with this option, you will be using a huge amount of energy and gas or oil.

Neither way is cost-efficient, as you’re either constantly completely reheating your central heating system or keeping it on the entire time. 

Why Choose Heat Pumps, Especially Geothermal Heating Systems?

Convenience 

Once installed, heat pumps can be functional for about 15 years, running 24 hours per day.

You can control MasterTherm heat pumps by an app on your phone thanks to state of the art inverter technology. So you don’t even need to get up to increase the heat when you’re tucked up in bed.

Heat pumps provide constant hot water, and heating and cooling simultaneously. This means you never have to wait around in your towel or leave the dishes in the sink ‘to soak’ while you wait for the water to heat up. 

Energy Savings With Geothermal Heating

Paying for oil and gas boilers is a drain on your finances. Particularly in these times of high energy pricing. When you invest in a heat pump you complete your once-off installation. After that, you immediately start saving up to 70% on your energy bills. That could mean you’re able to increase your quality of living. Perhaps you can splash out and treat yourself or save some extra money for a holiday. The possibilities are endless.

Geothermal Heating: Effects on the Climate

Using a heating and cooling system such as a heat pump will help you decrease your carbon emissions. This is because heat pumps take 80% off their energy from renewable sources and thereby lowering your impact on the environment. Reducing your carbon footprint is vital as we are all facing a crucial point in the climate crisis and need to make a conscious effort to live more sustainable lives.

Because of a heat pump’s long service life, low energy usage and easy to work controls, make them a perfect fit for this criteria.

How Can You Make the Most Out of Your Heat Pump?

Geothermal heat pumps work best when the warm air cannot escape the house. “CLOSE THE DOOR YOU’RE LETTING OUT ALL THE HEAT” is drilled into the brains of every Irish child for a reason. 

As heat pumps work at such a low temperature, you must get other items in place in order to use yours as efficiently as possible. 

Double or Triple Glazed Windows

Think about a glass of ice-cold water. Merely seconds after you pour that water into that glass, your hand feels the cold. Within minutes, the condensation will start to form and your hand will be wet. If the glass is very thin, it may even get frosty. Windows are no different. Having thin or older windows means you are opening up a hole in your wall to the outside weather. 

Having double or triple glazed windows means that your building is not as vulnerable to the elements and can keep heat inside your walls without the risk of condensation or frost. 

Insulation

Heat can also escape through your walls. Having adequate insulation installed in your building can stop excess heat from escaping through the walls, roof and floor.

How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost?

A geothermal heat pump’s price varies on where you live, what your surroundings are, what your building is like and what you need the heating and cooling for. Thankfully, because heat pumps are a sustainable heat source, SEAI (Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland) are supplying grants for homes and businesses to install heat pumps.

The amazing thing about installing a heat pump, insulation and triple-glazed windows is that property value will increase. So even if you’re not sure you should make the changes (as you may not live there forever) you can sell your property for more than it was worth. 

If you have any questions or would like to enquire about a heat pump, don’t hesitate to ask our team at MasterTherm for more information.

Why MasterTherm?

Heat pumps can be used in commercial settings, especially those that require heating and cooling. A MasterTherm heat pump solution can be an efficient way of repurposing heat energy that otherwise would have been wasted. This will make your company more sustainable and profitable.

MasterTherm heat pumps are ultra-quiet, have a 7-year warranty, give you lower heating bills and can be controlled easily from a tablet or phone using inverter technology.

We will design and tailor a personalised heating system to suit your industry needs. Whether it’s for a complex monitored heating and cooling system using rejected heat, or a central heating system with air-conditioning. MasterTherm will ensure that your business is getting the maximum benefit from your heat pump system.

If you’re looking for a heating and hot water solution for your building, we may suggest multiple heat pumps working together. If you are unsure about how to start the journey to renewables using heat pumps, contact us and we can start by creating a bespoke design for your heating system.